Careers: Military
Description
A career with the US Armed Services as a health physicist may take one of two paths. First is a career as a commissioned officer in the military. The second path is as a civilian employee in the Department of Defense. As a military health physicist, your duties will be similar to those of other health physicists—you could work in a health care setting, in an industrial setting, often as a radiation safety officer, or even developing policy and regulations. There are some opportunities unique to the military, such as duty at sea on a nuclear-powered surface ship or in a nuclear submarine.
Requirements for the Following Positions in a Military Setting1
- Military Officer - Minimally a BS degree in health physics, physics, environmental science, or a related science for entry as an O-1. An MS or PhD and experience may result in entry at a higher rank and pay grade. Officers will also need to meet their service's requirements as an officer, including passing a comprehensive physical exam and periodic demonstration of physical fitness. The ability to obtain and retain a security clearance is also needed.
- Civilian Employee - Minimally a BS in health physics, physics, environmental science, or a related science. Advanced degrees or American Board of Health Physics certification will provide a preference. The ability to obtain and retain a security clearance is also needed.
Military Services
- US Air Force
- US Army
- US Navy
- US Marine Corps
- Department of Defense
Additional information is available at:
Contact the HPS Military Health Physics Section for more information about military careers.
1This is an example only. Some organizations may require graduate degrees.